Varanasi to Chunar Fort: The Perfect Weekend Road Trip Itinerary

Perched high on a rocky cliff overlooking a sharp bend in the Ganges River, Chunar Fort is one of India's oldest and most historic fortresses. Located about 35 kilometers south of Varanasi in the Mirzapur district, this sandstone fort dates back to 56 BC and has been ruled by legendary figures like Sher Shah Suri, Emperor Akbar, and the British. If you are looking for a weekend escape from Kashi, Chunar Fort makes for an incredible day road trip.

Why Rent a Self-Drive SUV for this Trip?

While the highway route to Chunar is scenic, the rural roads off the national highway can have potholes and uneven gravel. Renting a sturdy SUV like the Mahindra Thar 4x4 or Hyundai Creta from Indivio provides higher ground clearance, ensuring a comfortable ride for families. A self-drive car also allows you to stop at local roadside eateries (dhabas) along the way and explore nearby waterfalls like Lakhaniya Dari, which are inaccessible by public transport.

The Road Trip Route: Varanasi to Chunar

There are two routes to reach Chunar Fort from Varanasi. We recommend the NH19 highway route for speed and safety:

• Start from the Varanasi Station Hub and head towards Tengra Mod (the southern gateway crossing).
• Get onto NH19 (Varanasi-Kolkata Highway) heading towards Mirzapur/Prayagraj.
• Take the Chunar-Mirzapur exit road. The highway is a wide, 4-lane toll road with smooth tarmac.
• Drive along the Chunar road through mango orchards and sandstone mining units until you see the colossal ramparts of the fort on the horizon.

Top Highlights to See Inside Chunar Fort

Make sure you allocate at least 2 hours inside the fortress grounds to explore these historic structures:

• Bhartrihari Samadhi: A subterranean temple structure dedicated to the king-saint Bhartrihari.
• Sonwa Mandap: A beautiful sandstone pavilion with 28 pillars, built by King Bhartrihari for his daughter's wedding ceremonies.
• The Gallows (Phansi Ghar): A historic structure used during the British era overlooking the dungeons.
• Sunset Point: Walk along the northern fort walls directly above the Ganges for an incredible panoramic view of Mirzapur's landscape.